Propane Generator-
Bundling to save (Builders and Consumer's)
As installers do the energy-consumption audit needed to properly size a generator and pipe the house for propane, remodelers can offer homeowners the opportunity to convert other major systems to propane or natural gas to maximize energy efficiency and cost savings.
When critical systems such as space heating and water heating are fueled by propane the standby generator can typically be downsized - and made more affordable.
"It does make a big difference if they have at least one or two propane appliances," Camper says. "Because we're going to be doing a gas line to get the propane to the generator, it's an ideal time to upgrade heating, water heating, and cooking appliances. I'm encouraging people to switch to propane, to put in a propane tankless water heater and a propane cook stove."
Propane forced-air furnaces provide airflow up to 25 degrees warmer than the average electric heat pump and typically last twice as long. Condensing tankless water heaters can provide energy savings up to 40 percent over conventional, electric water heating systems while providing endless hot water delivery.
Most of Camper's customers live in rural areas and use propane to fuel their generators. "About half our customers have buried tanks or will have us do so when we do the generator installation," he says.
Both installers stress the importance of having a certified professional size and put in a whole-house generator because of the computerized load monitoring system that comes built into the switch. "If you overload generators you can easily burn them out, and then you are talking a couple of thousand dollars to fix them," Camper says.
